Writing a Resume: What To Do If You Don't Have Much Experience

By Christina Ripley

When I'm not busy working at the LACD office, I tutor students on resumes, cover letters and personal statements as a Business Writing Consultant in the Purdue Writing Lab. One complaint I usually hear from many students (usually freshmen or sophomores who are just starting to build their resume) is "I don't have any real experience to put on my resume!" Well stop worrying  about all the blank space on your resume, because here are a few tips on how to strengthen it up.

First of all, think long and hard about what you are considering "experience." Maybe you don't have any internships or full time jobs to put on your resume (yet!) but summer jobs, campus jobs and even participation in clubs or activities can be considered experience. If the resume still looks sparse think about getting more involved on campus. Check out this article from US News and World Report that names some on campus jobs that look impressive to employers. (http://www.usnews.com/education/paying-for-college/articles/2010/12/13/10-paying-college-jobs-that-look-good-on-your-rsum)

OK, so now you've figured out some job experience (albeit brief and unimpressive). What is the next step? Think of how to frame your job experience in terms of what skills are required by the job that you are applying for. This is probably the most difficult task so don't worry if you are having a hard time. Look through the job ad and identify the skills the employer is looking for. Now, figure out how you demonstrated that skill at your job. Here's an example:

The job ad is looking for leadership. I was a lifeguard is high school during summer break. Here is how I am going to frame the description of my life-guarding job:

Lifeguard

- Responsible for maintaining safety in the pool area

- Built trust with parents and patrons while enforcing facility rules

- Certified for CPR and First Aid

Get the gist? It's all in how you frame your work experience! Think hard and you'll see that you have more experience than you are giving yourself credit for.